Image 65 of 645
Young_Villagers_Bagega_Zamfara_Portrait_Series_24.JPG
A girl is standing inside the affected village of Bagega, pop. 9000, Zamfara State, Nigeria, next to a large artisanal gold processing site. The lead contamination in the area is caused by ingestion and breathing of lead particles, released in the steps to isolate the gold from other metals. This type of lead is soluble in stomach acid and children under-5 are most affected, as they tend to ingest more through their hands by touching the ground, and are developing symptoms often leading to death or serious disabilities.